PUB landlords in Upton upon Severn have been left 'between a rock and a hard place' after concerns were raised about the Sunshine Festival going ahead.

The popular music festival, which is due to take place at the end of August, could see thousands of people travelling into the town, and Graham Bunn, the landlord of Ye Olde Anchor Inn pub in Upton and chairman of the Upton Blues Festival, said he understands why some residents may be concerned with the festival going ahead.

He said: "There was a lot of angst on Facebook with people saying they didn’t want the festival to go ahead.

"I’m caught between a rock and a hard place with it.

"We actually cancelled the Blues Festival a few months ago, because the town doesn’t feel ready for it yet.

"With the Sunshine Festival there’s usually a massive influx of people, full of campers and it certainly has a massive upturn on the town.

"From a business point of view I’d love it to go ahead but not at any cost in my opinion.

"I’m generally stuck in the middle, because at some point we do have to open up and the vaccination programme seems to be doing its job."

Sarah, who runs the Plough Inn at Upton with her partner Martin, said: "Income wise the festival is very good for the local businesses, but we appreciate that the town as a whole would see an influx of people, however, I do agree that the majority of us will have had our Covid jabs by then so I think there has to be a point where people try and continue somewhat normally.

"When all the vulnerable people have been protected we have to start somewhere.

"As long as we can stick to the road map date and if it's likely the restrictions will be lifted by June, then I think at that point, two months later when the festival is due to take place, we should be in a better position.

"I think half of the town will be for the festival taking place and half will probably be against it."

A spokesman for the Sunshine Festival, said: "After such a disappointing 2020 we very much look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers for Sunshine Festival 2021.  

"We have previously held regular meetings with all Public Health colleagues and closely monitor government updates. If  restrictions change, we’ll review the guidance and update the Sunshine Festivals Event Management Plan accordingly.  

"For Sunshine Festival to go ahead , we have to be in line with Government guidance and legislation and demonstrate that  we propose to be COVID-secure. 

"All content shown on our website is correct as at the time of publication but bookings for artists, facilities and other  attractions are all subject to change at any time up to the end of the festival 

"We would like to record our thanks for the tremendous support over the years we have received from Upton Town Council. Upton Trade and Tourism Association and the various Emergency Services associated with our Festival whom we are in regular contact with. The numerous messages of support from customers, local charities and Upton  businesses have been much appreciated."